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Tattoo or not tattoo…
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I’m thinking about getting my first tattoo and want some honest advice about how painful it actually is, as I am a complete wimp.
I’m considering getting a small rose with a stem and some sentimental words on my wrist / forearm.
Would this be a good place to start? I know some areas are more or less painful than others. Do the numbing gels work? Also, how big would the letters need to be to prevent bleeding of the ink over time?
Finally… If anyone has any recommendations for amazing tattoo artists in the North East (if that’s allowed), please send them my way 
Thanks in advance x
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Do it!!!
Asking about pain is pointless because it's subjective, some people handle pain better than other and some people find tattoos more painful than others
When I was younger I could sit for hours but as I get older I can not handle the pain at all
Numbing creams do work if they're applied properly
In terms of size/bleeding your tattoo artist should be able to advise you what would be best for 1 the style you've chosen and 2 your skin type
X |
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It does hurt. The outline is a bit more painful as it’s one needle, where as the shading or colour is a few.
My last one on my forearm wasn’t as bad as I’d remembered.
I have a sleeve and various others dotted over my body. As the time goes on it does become easier, plus if the tattooist is chatty it’s a good distraction |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I’ve got loads and yes, they all hurt! But it’s less painful than you expect it to be. Dr Numb is a good topical cream which works as I had to use some near my armpit when I had a sleeve done.
Go for it lass. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Little words off incurmenent just go for it
In terms off pain level emmm I am not shour
I never had that part tattooed also everone is different and feels pain different
For my self I jumped in head first deep end
Ie my first tattoo was
Full sized stomach rocker one off the most painful place to get done
My second tattoo I didn’t take it easyer I just jumped further in with get the side off my neck done
So not really shour on the pain level as most would be a breeze to me after those
As far as numbing gels go yes they work
But also don’t work don’t feel pain at the time
But when wore off the pain hits you all at ones
But I will say _ou only live once go for it |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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They all hurt, some more than others depending on the place I've never used numbing cream so couldn't comment on that but a decent artist will make you feel at ease and stop if it gets too much the only thing I can really say is just go for it |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Get it!!!!
Not gonna lie, hurts like a fucking bitch, but not all the time.
I'd say about 50/50, between ooh this is quite nice to Holly mother of fuck what the hell is that twat doing.
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Daphne is getting one next year, she played around with temporary ones first until she decided on where to have it, we'll stick a picture up, opinions welcome. I (fred) have a couple and didn't find the process that painful, I've not used creams but have heard that they work |
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By *tooveMan
over a year ago
belfast |
Go for it. Don't use numbing cream as it can affect the tattoo.
As for pain that depends on your pain threshold. I have slept through tattoos a few times so it's not that sore.
Get a decent after care cream too. |
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Embrace the pain. So it as a challenge you get through to 'earn' your tattoo.
Forearm can be one of the least painful. (Though depends on where you are in your cycle.) If you go up towards your elbow, or closer to the wrist, you'll feel it more. |
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By *tooveMan
over a year ago
belfast |
"Embrace the pain. So it as a challenge you get through to 'earn' your tattoo.
Forearm can be one of the least painful. (Though depends on where you are in your cycle.) If you go up towards your elbow, or closer to the wrist, you'll feel it more."
Hate that earning your tattoo nonsense. You make an appointment and pay for it. No earning it. Hipster ballix. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Embrace the pain. So it as a challenge you get through to 'earn' your tattoo.
Forearm can be one of the least painful. (Though depends on where you are in your cycle.) If you go up towards your elbow, or closer to the wrist, you'll feel it more.
Hate that earning your tattoo nonsense. You make an appointment and pay for it. No earning it. Hipster ballix. "
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"I've not used creams but have heard that they work"
They can effect the skin, resulting in an imperfect tattoo.
Also, if a longer job, they wear off and you're suddenly facing fresh pain in the middle of the session. Better to go with the pain and get those endorphins flowing. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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My thigh tattoo was my most painful. It burned for days afterwards. My ribs least painful and quite relaxing. Wrists were very painful. But as others are saying. It depends on your own pain tolerate. Just don't book in for a 3 hour one for your first |
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"Hate that earning your tattoo nonsense. You make an appointment and pay for it. No earning it. Hipster ballix. "
I'm 48 and far from a hipster.
It was offered as a simple psychological frame that many people have found to be helpful in dealing with the pain. I thought the OP might be one such person.
Not really bothered what anyone else makes of it. Feel free to offer your own helpful advice to the OP. |
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By *tooveMan
over a year ago
belfast |
"Hate that earning your tattoo nonsense. You make an appointment and pay for it. No earning it. Hipster ballix.
I'm 48 and far from a hipster.
It was offered as a simple psychological frame that many people have found to be helpful in dealing with the pain. I thought the OP might be one such person.
Not really bothered what anyone else makes of it. Feel free to offer your own helpful advice to the OP."
I already did without any of that earning it rubbish. |
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"Hate that earning your tattoo nonsense. You make an appointment and pay for it. No earning it. Hipster ballix.
I'm 48 and far from a hipster.
It was offered as a simple psychological frame that many people have found to be helpful in dealing with the pain. I thought the OP might be one such person.
Not really bothered what anyone else makes of it. Feel free to offer your own helpful advice to the OP."
It was helpful, thank you. I understand everyone has a different take on it and different ways to deal with the pain and get through it. I think I would be counting down the minutes  |
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"Go for it. Don't use numbing cream as it can affect the tattoo.
As for pain that depends on your pain threshold. I have slept through tattoos a few times so it's not that sore.
Get a decent after care cream too. "
Omg I can’t imagine sleeping though it… I can only hope that’s how it feels for me
Are there any particular aftercare creams you would recommend? |
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"Go for it. Don't use numbing cream as it can affect the tattoo.
As for pain that depends on your pain threshold. I have slept through tattoos a few times so it's not that sore.
Get a decent after care cream too.
Omg I can’t imagine sleeping though it… I can only hope that’s how it feels for me
Are there any particular aftercare creams you would recommend? "
Tattoo goo |
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I'm with you, OP. I love the idea, but have always been put off (unashamedly a wuss, though being certain enough on design also an issue!). Always had visions of me being like that scene in Friends where Phoebe just gets a dot... |
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"It does hurt. The outline is a bit more painful as it’s one needle, where as the shading or colour is a few.
My last one on my forearm wasn’t as bad as I’d remembered.
I have a sleeve and various others dotted over my body. As the time goes on it does become easier, plus if the tattooist is chatty it’s a good distraction "
Thank you  I’ll try and be brave and hope for a chatty tattooist. I feel like such a baby when people have sleeves and I’m dithering over something small  |
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"I'm with you, OP. I love the idea, but have always been put off (unashamedly a wuss, though being certain enough on design also an issue!). Always had visions of me being like that scene in Friends where Phoebe just gets a dot..."
Haha yes that’s what I think as well! “Where is my Lily you wuss” |
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"It was helpful, thank you. I understand everyone has a different take on it and different ways to deal with the pain and get through it. I think I would be counting down the minutes "
I doubt you will, tbh. You can chat to the tattooist - so many questions to ask about tattooing, etc.! - text friends, look at the wall art, see how it's developing and more.
But if you're like almost everyone I know with a tattoo, you'll be thinking about your next one before you leave the studio! |
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"It does hurt. The outline is a bit more painful as it’s one needle, where as the shading or colour is a few.
My last one on my forearm wasn’t as bad as I’d remembered.
I have a sleeve and various others dotted over my body. As the time goes on it does become easier, plus if the tattooist is chatty it’s a good distraction
Thank you I’ll try and be brave and hope for a chatty tattooist. I feel like such a baby when people have sleeves and I’m dithering over something small "
I’m always nervous wether it’s a big tattoo or a small one, don’t worry! |
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"Are there any particular aftercare creams you would recommend?
Tattoo goo
Another vote for tattoo goo.
Made a mental note of that, thank you both "
They do a little pack on Amazon with the goo, a lotion and a little cleaning lotion too |
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By *urvySub87Woman
over a year ago
Near Wellingborough |
"Are there any particular aftercare creams you would recommend?
Tattoo goo
Another vote for tattoo goo."
I just use bepanthem. Works great for mine and my tattoo always looks like it's just been done |
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"Get it!!!!
Not gonna lie, hurts like a fucking bitch, but not all the time.
I'd say about 50/50, between ooh this is quite nice to Holly mother of fuck what the hell is that twat doing."
I’ve heard people say they actually enjoy getting them… I’m hoping by some small miracle I might fall into that category |
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By *oo..Woman
over a year ago
Boo's World |
I am most definately WEIRD then as I've managed to fall asleep a few times having my tattoos done, and this includes wrists,arms,top of foot,collarbone ha ha
None particularly hurt , I end up more bored sat there for so long.
Go for it OP _ou only live once! |
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By *C79Man
over a year ago
Caterham |
I have a full sleeve. For some parts, I nearly fell asleep because you sit/lie still & it's quite therapeutic. Other parts (where the bones are) were like Satan himself inflicting pain. Elbow was the worst  |
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By *C79Man
over a year ago
Caterham |
"Thanks guys - I do really want to do it. I think a numbing gel would definitely help.
I’m just a bit worried in case I can’t stand the pain and it ends up half finished or something "
Before you use numbing cream, speak to the artist you choose. Mine said not to use it because it makes the skin react differently to the needle. Also, each artist will have their own aftercare advice which can change over time as they try new methods. Key point is NOT to pick at any part that is healing & to wash it gently + keep it moisturised. Like some others, I used bepanthen & then go to normal skin cream when it has healed well. |
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"Thanks guys - I do really want to do it. I think a numbing gel would definitely help.
I’m just a bit worried in case I can’t stand the pain and it ends up half finished or something
Before you use numbing cream, speak to the artist you choose. Mine said not to use it because it makes the skin react differently to the needle. Also, each artist will have their own aftercare advice which can change over time as they try new methods. Key point is NOT to pick at any part that is healing & to wash it gently + keep it moisturised. Like some others, I used bepanthen & then go to normal skin cream when it has healed well."
Thank you for the advice. Your tattoos look great. My biggest fear would be getting it and it looking crap and smudgy. I want it too look sharp and beautiful. I also want the style of writing to be quite delicate… am I being unrealistic? |
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By *tooveMan
over a year ago
belfast |
"Thanks guys - I do really want to do it. I think a numbing gel would definitely help.
I’m just a bit worried in case I can’t stand the pain and it ends up half finished or something
Before you use numbing cream, speak to the artist you choose. Mine said not to use it because it makes the skin react differently to the needle. Also, each artist will have their own aftercare advice which can change over time as they try new methods. Key point is NOT to pick at any part that is healing & to wash it gently + keep it moisturised. Like some others, I used bepanthen & then go to normal skin cream when it has healed well."
Interesting. I was told never to use bepanthen or similar products.
I use TLC which is good. Hardest part is when it starts itching. |
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By *tooveMan
over a year ago
belfast |
"I am most definately WEIRD then as I've managed to fall asleep a few times having my tattoos done, and this includes wrists,arms,top of foot,collarbone ha ha
None particularly hurt , I end up more bored sat there for so long.
Go for it OP _ou only live once! "
Boredom is the worst. My tattooist woke me once for snoring too loud. |
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The tattooist will wrap it in cling film when they’re done and tell you to wash it when you get home. Whenever I get a tattoo I do this, but then I re-wrap in cling film and wash and change it three times a day.
My last tattoo didn’t scab at all, just had a little bit of flaky skin and it’s still sharp looking |
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By *oo..Woman
over a year ago
Boo's World |
"Thanks guys - I do really want to do it. I think a numbing gel would definitely help.
I’m just a bit worried in case I can’t stand the pain and it ends up half finished or something
Before you use numbing cream, speak to the artist you choose. Mine said not to use it because it makes the skin react differently to the needle. Also, each artist will have their own aftercare advice which can change over time as they try new methods. Key point is NOT to pick at any part that is healing & to wash it gently + keep it moisturised. Like some others, I used bepanthen & then go to normal skin cream when it has healed well.
Thank you for the advice. Your tattoos look great. My biggest fear would be getting it and it looking crap and smudgy. I want it too look sharp and beautiful. I also want the style of writing to be quite delicate… am I being unrealistic? "
What you describe you want is single needle artwork/script.
Any good tattooist can do this for you, never rush into a design idea. Take your time finding what you want done then take it to a tattoo artist to discuss your design and not something
out of a book thousands of other people have. Most decent artists have waitlists so you will have plenty of time to perfect what you want.
As mentioned above never use anything on your skin without speaking to them first as some creams can cause the needles to slip or make your skin bleed more which you really don't want.
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As long as a tattoo isn't being placed on top of a bone it really shouldn't be painful also depending on the colour and shading used my first tattoo was approx 8x10 and took 4 hours to complete and only started getting uncomfortable in the last 20 mins of it as its black and grey with shading |
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By *oo..Woman
over a year ago
Boo's World |
"Thanks guys - I do really want to do it. I think a numbing gel would definitely help.
I’m just a bit worried in case I can’t stand the pain and it ends up half finished or something
Before you use numbing cream, speak to the artist you choose. Mine said not to use it because it makes the skin react differently to the needle. Also, each artist will have their own aftercare advice which can change over time as they try new methods. Key point is NOT to pick at any part that is healing & to wash it gently + keep it moisturised. Like some others, I used bepanthen & then go to normal skin cream when it has healed well.
Interesting. I was told never to use bepanthen or similar products.
I use TLC which is good. Hardest part is when it starts itching. "
I was also told to never use Bepanthen cream on tattoos as its a barrier cream designed to seal over things like a rash on babies so no infection can get through it. That also means your skin can't breathe through it to heal properly.
A tattoo once finished is effectively open (raw) skin which only heals with correct aftercare and fresh air once you have gone past the wrapping stage.
My tattoo artist uses a special 2nd skin dressing which stays on for a week to 10 days and then you peel it off. Wash the skin like normal and you don't get any itchy,dry or scabbing over skin. It's effectively healed already.
I've only ever used Stories and Ink tattoo care products and I have tattoos now that are 10 plus years old and they still look the same as to the day they were done with no colour loss at all.
A tattoo should look perfect if taken care of all the time, not just the healing process |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I find the 1st few minutes the worse then you get used to it. Afterwards it’s like really bad sunburn but paracetamol knocks it off. The itching as it heals is pretty annoying and knowing you can’t scratch is tough.
But if you can stand the discomfort it can be quite addictive |
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"Interesting. I was told never to use bepanthen or similar products. "
I was told the same. I *think* some products started replacing it with something else.
I could be wrong, but I seem to remember that one of the issues was the effect it could have on coloured ink. |
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Wrist is painful, it's a very sensitive area on most people. Forearm isn't bad.
Regardless of all that, get numbing cream. Ignore those who spout nonsense about "pain being part of a tattoo". Use the cream for your first, you won't use it again when the bug bites. VERY few people stick at ONE tattoo. They're so addictive! Especially when you have a design or 2 in mind.
Go for it though, you'll not regret it and artists are so down to earth and understanding if they're good at what they do. Just say how you feel. Just remember though; "good work ain't cheap, and cheap work ain't good". Mine compared to Fumbles are evidence of that and he's now paying a fortune to cover them up.
Dumble x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Embrace the pain. So it as a challenge you get through to 'earn' your tattoo.
Forearm can be one of the least painful. (Though depends on where you are in your cycle.) If you go up towards your elbow, or closer to the wrist, you'll feel it more.
Hate that earning your tattoo nonsense. You make an appointment and pay for it. No earning it. Hipster ballix. "
Numbing cream doesn't affect the quality of the tattoo as long as you use a cream that is tattoo friendly
And there's no 'earning' your tattoo, if you have the money to pay for it then get it, this whole 'earning' business is nonsense |
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"Interesting. I was told never to use bepanthen or similar products.
I was told the same. I *think* some products started replacing it with something else.
I could be wrong, but I seem to remember that one of the issues was the effect it could have on coloured ink. "
Yep. Cocoa Butter is my preferred choice for covering them with.
D x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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It hurts … a little. Not as much as one might expect. But it scratches a deep deep itch. And you feel amazing afterwards. You’re never the same person again (literally) and that’s an incredible feeling. |
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"I’m thinking about getting my first tattoo and want some honest advice about how painful it actually is, as I am a complete wimp.
I’m considering getting a small rose with a stem and some sentimental words on my wrist / forearm.
Would this be a good place to start? I know some areas are more or less painful than others. Do the numbing gels work? Also, how big would the letters need to be to prevent bleeding of the ink over time?
Finally… If anyone has any recommendations for amazing tattoo artists in the North East (if that’s allowed), please send them my way
Thanks in advance x
"
I have a tattoo on both inner forearms and nearer the wrist you get the more painful it is... My most recent was really blooming painful lol |
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"I've a few, one in my wrist too, I'm a wimp and I didn't find it painful, it was strangely therapeutic, go for it.
Mrs "
Comments from fellow wimps saying things like that makes me feel better, thank you |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I don’t have any and not planning on getting one either. I don’t have the idea of having something permanent on my body"
Do you want something temporary on your body? |
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"It hurts … a little. Not as much as one might expect. But it scratches a deep deep itch. And you feel amazing afterwards. You’re never the same person again (literally) and that’s an incredible feeling. "
I can imagine it would be quite addictive |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I don’t have any and not planning on getting one either. I don’t have the idea of having something permanent on my body
Do you want something temporary on your body? "
Why not. I am a fast cummer by the way. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I don’t have any and not planning on getting one either. I don’t have the idea of having something permanent on my body
Do you want something temporary on your body?
Why not. I am a fast cummer by the way. "
Perfect.I don't have time for these guys that go for hours.
In and out. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I don’t have any and not planning on getting one either. I don’t have the idea of having something permanent on my body
Do you want something temporary on your body?
Why not. I am a fast cummer by the way.
Perfect.I don't have time for these guys that go for hours.
In and out."
That’s my motto ! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I don’t have any and not planning on getting one either. I don’t have the idea of having something permanent on my body
Do you want something temporary on your body?
Why not. I am a fast cummer by the way.
Perfect.I don't have time for these guys that go for hours.
In and out.
That’s my motto ! "
It's our motto. It's on the badges. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I(Ms Fox) have had my leg, my foot, the top of my back and my wrist done and neither of them were sore, as said above probably more therapeutic tbh. Spine tattoo next for me! I say go for it life's too short ! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I don’t have any and not planning on getting one either. I don’t have the idea of having something permanent on my body
Do you want something temporary on your body?
Why not. I am a fast cummer by the way.
Perfect.I don't have time for these guys that go for hours.
In and out.
That’s my motto !
It's our motto. It's on the badges. "
 |
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"I don’t have any and not planning on getting one either. I don’t have the idea of having something permanent on my body"
This is why I’m deliberating so much about it… can’t exactly wash them off |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I don’t have any and not planning on getting one either. I don’t have the idea of having something permanent on my body
This is why I’m deliberating so much about it… can’t exactly wash them off "
Try henné first |
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"And there's no 'earning' your tattoo, if you have the money to pay for it then get it, this whole 'earning' business is nonsense "
I presumed it would be obvious to everyone and their gimp that 'earning' was not meant literally.
However, I'm genuinely confused by the vitriol to that idea expressed by you and others. When I was going to get my first tattoo I was exceedingly anxious. It was a helpful frame for me to get through that. Focusing on the goal and thinking that I would look back at my tattoo and think, "Yeah, I went through that!" was helpful for me to endure the pain.
Helpful for me (the first time), apparently helpful for the OP and helpful for many many others. The fact you don't think it would be helpful (or necessary) for you does not make it "nonsense." |
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By *ornycougaWoman
over a year ago
NORWAY Wherever I lay my hat |
I have 2. Top of my spine (didn't feel it) and then inside of my wrist which hurt a bit more (tho I do have a high pain threshold). Only thing I would say about the wrist is that it is almost always visible to all...so just be really sure you want it. I have no regrets for what it's worth! |
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I think it's hard to say as different people have different sensations I have my chest done and didn't hurt as much as I thought then got my wrist done and it was killer.
Im in the camp of if you really want it then go for it and the pain will be worth it. |
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Yes definitely get one if you want one, the pain actually isn't that bad and the worst part is the itch when it's healing.
Never used the numbing cream but apparently it's ok and takes the edge off.
Don't get it done anywhere ultra sensitive or boney and don't go too big for first one. |
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